Helen Lillian Leloudis Henderson

Helen Lillian Leloudis Henderson slipped away quietly from this earthly existence, Wednesday morning, November 19, 2014. Her 96 years were ones spent of service, obedience, and love for all to whom she came in contact. Those who were fortunate to have known her have truly been touched for good and left with a simple desire to be a better person themselves. Helen was born on July 31, 1918 in Wilson Township, Wilson County, State of North Carolina, U.S.A. She was the eldest child born to George K. Leloudis and Lillie L. Sanders. Born to a Greek father and a Southern NC mother, she inherited the best of both cultures in her personality, demeanor, work ethic and respect towards others. Helen spent her childhood in both Florida and North Carolina, keeping a watchful eye on her younger brother, Gus, and making lots of fun memories along the way. Helen graduated from New Hanover High School, attended Beauty School and served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Louisiana-Texas area within a short span of years. She married James Gabriel Henderson, Sr. on September 27, 1940. Helen and Jim made Wilmington their home and were blessed with two children, James Gabriel Henderson, Jr. and Mary Helen Henderson. Surrounded by their families, the young Henderson couple began a life devoted to each other and their young family. Stories abound from those who grew up in the Klein Road area of Wilmington about "Ms Helen" and "Big Jim" and all the fun times that were had at the Henderson home. As the years passed, Helen was always a pillar of strength for her husband and children, supporting them in career choices, educational opportunities, and lifelong hobbies. Helen served in many capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout her life, working with both youth and adults. She loved her various church assignments and always tried to magnify her opportunity to serve others. She had a gift for teaching and was always prepared to teach lessons which both inspired and educated her listener. Shortly before her husband passed away from cancer in 1978 she spent many tender moments with "Big Jim" sitting quietly in the woods, admiring the wildlife and the beauty of God's creation. Helen is survived in this life by seven grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren whose lives have been blessed beyond measure by her legacy of faith, love, and Christian service. Because of our faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we celebrate her happy reunion with family and friends who have passed on before and look forward knowing we shall see her again and be reunited with this beautiful daughter of Heavenly Father. A funeral service will be held 11am Monday November 24, 2014 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wilmington. Burial will follow in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cemetery in Hampstead. The family will receive friends from 7pm until 8pm Sunday November 23 2014 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wilmington. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice 1414 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401.